Outdoor Power Equipment Institute » engines ethanolhttp://opei.org
Tue, 15 Aug 2017 19:59:44 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.2Power gear group warns against high-ethanol gas Store signs highlight damaging effects of E15 gashttp://opei.org/power-gear-group-warns-against-high-ethanol-gas-store-signs-highlight-damaging-effects-of-e15-gas-2/
http://opei.org/power-gear-group-warns-against-high-ethanol-gas-store-signs-highlight-damaging-effects-of-e15-gas-2/#commentsMon, 24 Mar 2014 13:20:06 +0000Kristenhttp://opei.org/?p=5882The gasoline most of us put into our cars and outdoor gear, with 10-percent ethanol, is available nationwide, and we pump E10 without a second thought. But a newer form of gas is good for only some cars—and a nightmare for outdoor power equipment. Nothing, in fact, warns you against filling up your mower, string trimmer, or gas can other than a little 3×3-inch warning label that competes for your attention with larger, bolder ads on the gas pump. So the outdoor power equipment trade group is waving the warning flag in Lowe’s, Walmart, and other stores.

That newer form of gasoline, called E15, has 15-percent ethanol, and ethanol causes small engines to run hotter and draw in water, which makes for tougher starting and eventually ruins seals, tubing, and linkages—all of which affect durability. Already 59 gas stations in 12 states carry E15, and the list is growing. If your car is newer than model year 2000, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says using E15 is fine. For outdoor power equipment, the little sticker warns, “it may cause damage and is prohibited by federal law.” The industry’s trade group, the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, knows that if you put E15 gas into your power gear and it overheats and quits, you might kick yourself for putting in “prohibited” gas.

It’s not the machine, it’s the gas
More likely, though, you’ll curse the manufacturer and swear never to buy that brand again—especially when you learn that practically no product warranty covers damage resulting from using gasoline with ethanol higher than 10 percent. OPEI last year began the program, Look Before You Pump, to educate and protect consumers and manufacturers. But more recently, the group has ramped up the program further, with warning signs displayed near the price tags in stores.

]]>http://opei.org/power-gear-group-warns-against-high-ethanol-gas-store-signs-highlight-damaging-effects-of-e15-gas-2/feed/0Blower, ethanol don’t mix – Small engines not working at best with gas blendhttp://opei.org/blower-ethanol-dont-mix-small-engines-not-working-at-best-with-gas-blend/
http://opei.org/blower-ethanol-dont-mix-small-engines-not-working-at-best-with-gas-blend/#commentsMon, 09 Dec 2013 15:46:34 +0000Kristenhttp://opei.org/?p=5516Soon enough, you won’t just be eyeing that snowblower – you’ll need to fill it up and use it.

But there’s a wrinkle users of equipment powered by small gasoline engines need to keep in mind, according to the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute.

More gas stations are carrying ethanol blends, and more people are putting the fuels into their cars. But many don’t know those fuels should not be used in the equipment they turn to in winter weather.

“Don’t assume that the same ‘gas’ you put in your car can still go in your mower, snowblower, chain saw or generator,” says Kris Kiser, institute president and chief executive officer. “It will destroy your engine.”

]]>http://opei.org/blower-ethanol-dont-mix-small-engines-not-working-at-best-with-gas-blend/feed/0Be mindful of what’s going in your snow blowerhttp://opei.org/be-mindful-of-whats-going-in-your-snow-blower/
http://opei.org/be-mindful-of-whats-going-in-your-snow-blower/#commentsTue, 29 Oct 2013 15:10:22 +0000Kristenhttp://opei.org/?p=5186NEW YORK (CNN) – Options at the gas pump are expanding, and while you’re probably mindful of what goes in your car’s tank, here’s a heads up for those filling up leaf blowers, snow blowers and more.

By now, many have put away the lawn mower, moved on to the leaf blower, and may soon tune up the snow blower.

No matter which tool you’re powering up, be aware of more options at the gas station, as more ethanol gets pumped into the mix.

The key to remember is the fuels marketplace is changing. We are no longer in a static situation, and so, pumps may look different, gas stations may look different; they may not be the same.

The outdoor power equipment institute is urging consumers to take a second look before fueling small machines that may not be designed for new blends.

The problem is the hundreds of millions of engine units, engine products in use today are all designed built and warranted to run on fuel containing more than 10 percent of ethanol, and so that’s the challenge. Read more from the article here.

Alexandria, Va., October 23, 2013—The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an international trade association representing 100 small engine, utility vehicle and outdoor power equipment manufacturers and suppliers, today announced a national ethanol education and consumer protection campaign, called ‘Look Before You Pump.’

The ‘Look Before You Pump’ education campaign cautions consumers that it is harmful and illegal to use higher than 10 percent ethanol gas in any outdoor power equipment, such as mowers, chain saws, snow throwers, UTVs, generators and other small engine products.

The urgency of the industry’s campaign comes from research that shows high-ethanol blends of gasoline can damage or destroy small engines not designed to handle it. A recent OPEI/Harris Interactive study shows the vast majority of Americans (71 percent) are “not at all sure” if it is illegal or legal to put high level ethanol gas (i.e., anything higher than 10 percent ethanol) into engines such as those in boats, mowers, chain saws, snow mobiles, generators and other engine products.

The ‘Look Before You Pump’ campaign will reach consumers through radio and video public service announcements (PSA), fact sheets, in-store displays, labeling and product hang-tags. A prominent, red warning hand indicating ‘OK’ for 10 percent ethanol and ‘No’ for mid-level ethanol blends (such as E15, E30, E85) is the campaign’s main graphic.

“Although there is continued uncertainty in the renewable fuels market, one thing for certain is that the way consumers select and use fuel will be changing in the coming years,” said Kris Kiser, President and CEO of OPEI.

“It is incumbent upon our industry to be proactive. We are cautioning American consumers and business owners whose livelihood depends on our equipment to be more mindful at the gas pump. Don’t assume that the gas you put in your car can still go in your mower, chain saw or generator.”

According to Todd Teske, Chairman, President and CEO of Briggs & Stratton Corporation, the world’s largest manufacturer of small engines, and OPEI’s Board Chair, “It is critical that we educate all users of outdoor power equipment about the dangers misfueling can cause to their equipment. Our number one goal is to protect our customers.”

OPEI urges consumers to read their equipment operating manual before filling with gasoline to ensure they use the right fuel for that engine.

About OPEI

The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) is an international trade association representing 100 small engine, utility vehicle and outdoor power equipment manufacturers and suppliers of consumer and commercial outdoor power equipment. The OPEI Education Foundation is the creative force behind TurfMutt.com. OPEI is a recognized Standards Development Organization for the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and active internationally through the International Standards Organization (ISO) in the development of safety and performance standards. For more information, visit www.OPEI.org.

]]>http://opei.org/outdoor-power-equipment-institute-advises-consumers-to-look-before-you-pump-at-gas-station/feed/0Safeguarding Against the E15 Ethanol Riskhttp://opei.org/safeguarding-against-the-e15-ethanol-risk/
http://opei.org/safeguarding-against-the-e15-ethanol-risk/#commentsMon, 16 Sep 2013 15:13:38 +0000Kristenhttp://opei.org/?p=4886E15, which is a blend of 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline, is only compatible with cars newer than the 2001 model year, although some automobile manufacturers state that E15 does not comply with the fuel requirements specified in their owner’s manuals. Additionally, E15 is not safe for small-engine powered lawn equipment. Nonetheless, E15 is coming.

“As of right now (September 1, 2013) there are more than 30 stations offering E15 in nine states,” says Robert White, director of market development for the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA). Those states are Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan and North Carolina. Read more from the article here.

]]>http://opei.org/safeguarding-against-the-e15-ethanol-risk/feed/0Dallas’ acres of turf are fertile ground for potentially deadly accidentshttp://opei.org/dallas-acres-of-turf-are-fertile-ground-for-potentially-deadly-accidents/
http://opei.org/dallas-acres-of-turf-are-fertile-ground-for-potentially-deadly-accidents/#commentsThu, 18 Jul 2013 13:31:20 +0000Kristenhttp://opei.org/?p=4492Dallas is a city of lawns in a nation of lawns. Americans maintain more than 40 million acres of turf, according to Duke University’s dean of the Nicolas School of the Environment. The vast majority of us maintain lawns and shrubs with outdoor power equipment, maybe without realizing that we are dealing with dangerous machinery.

For one thing, gasoline-fueled power equipment emits carbon monoxide and should never be used in a closed-in area. For another, safe repair and maintenance on power equipment depends on letting the equipment completely cool first. Jeff Linderman, RepairClinic.com’s on-staff landscaping expert, warns: “Check the oil level and refuel the engine only when the engine is completely cool. Gasoline spills on a hot engine could result in an instant fire.” Read more from the article here.

Alexandria, VA – March 20, 2013 – Spring has sprung, and that means the annual cleaning and preparation of lawn and garden equipment. Whether it’s a mower, trimmer, blower, chainsaw or pruner, if it runs on gasoline, the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) recommends a series of steps to avoid fuel-related problems and ensure a smooth-running engine.

“Many are so eager to pull out lawn and garden equipment once spring arrives that they sometimes forget basic steps to ensure the powerhouse of the equipment – the engine – is in good working order,” said Kris Kiser, President and CEO of OPEI. “One challenge is that most fuel contains some level of ethanol, which contains corrosive alcohol, so you want to make sure that fuel does not sit in the tank for more than 30 days, and especially not over winter.”

To avoid fuel related problems as you pull out your lawn and landscaping equipment, OPEI reminds consumer to check the following:

If fuel has been sitting all winter long in the fuel tank, don’t use it in the spring. Drain it responsibly and put in fresh fuel.

Do not use gas with more than 10 percent ethanol (E10). Some gas stations may begin to offer 15 percent ethanol (E15), but this higher ethanol fuel is dangerous – and is in fact illegal – to use in any small engine equipment, such as chain saws, snow throwers, generators, lawn mowers, lawn tractors and all other lawn and garden equipment.For more information on E15 and why you can’t use this in lawn and garden equipment, go to www.opei.org/ethanolwarning.

Don’t leave fuel sitting in the tank for more than 30 days. Untreated gasoline (without a fuel stabilizer) left in the fuel system will deteriorate, which may cause starting or running problems and, in some cases, damage to the fuel system.

After finishing mowing, turn the fuel valve OFF and leave it OFF until it’s time to mow again. Fill the mower’s fuel tank between uses to minimize air in the tank.

Store gasoline in a clean and sealed plastic container approved for fuel storage, and store the container away from direct sunlight.

Keep the air filter properly serviced and check it before each use. A properly maintained air filter will help prevent dirt from entering the carburetor

About OPEI

The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) is an international trade association representing 90 small engine, utility vehicle and outdoor power equipment manufacturers and suppliers of consumer and commercial outdoor power equipment such as lawnmowers, garden tractors, utility vehicles, trimmers, edgers, chain saws, snow throwers, tillers, leaf blowers and other related products. OPEI is a recognized Standards Development Organization for the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and active internationally through the International Standards Organization (ISO) in the development of safety and performance standards. For more information, visit www.OPEI.org.

]]>http://opei.org/outdoor-power-equipment-institute-offers-6-fuel-related-tips-when-preparing-your-lawn-garden-equipment-for-spring/feed/0Four Things to Know About E15http://opei.org/four-things-to-know-about-e15/
http://opei.org/four-things-to-know-about-e15/#commentsThu, 14 Feb 2013 16:01:42 +0000Kristenhttp://opei.org/?p=3578E15 fuel has been certified for sale in the United States and is slowly beginning to show up at filling stations. Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to know about this new fuel option.

What is E15 and why should I care?

E15 is shorthand for gasoline blended with 15 percent ethanol. The reason it’s a big deal is that ethanol is fairly corrosive to rubber and certain metals, so it can cause damage to vital components. Ethanol also attracts and bonds with water from the air, and that water can separate out inside the tank due to phase separation. If your vehicle sits for long periods between use, the moisture settles to the bottom of the tank and can potentially clog in-tank pumps and filters. Damage is also possible in fuel lines, injectors, seals, gaskets, and valve seats as well as carburetors on older engines.

]]>http://opei.org/four-things-to-know-about-e15/feed/0Remind your customers to pay attention at the gas pumphttp://opei.org/remind-your-customers-to-pay-attention-at-the-gas-pump/
http://opei.org/remind-your-customers-to-pay-attention-at-the-gas-pump/#commentsThu, 14 Feb 2013 14:34:50 +0000Kristenhttp://opei.org/?p=3575Leading engine manufacturers, including Kohler Engines, are warning users of all gasoline-powered lawn mowers and other outdoor power equipment to be vigilant when fueling their equipment. Gasoline blends containing more than 10-percent ethanol — such as E15 and E85 –should not be used. These blends, which are already available in several states, can cause permanent and irreversible damage that is not covered under warranty.

E15 gas is now legal for use in cars, pickups and SUVs manufactured since 2001.

However, E15 is not approved for off-road engines. This includes engines found in mowers, power washers, portable generators, leaf blowers and other commonly used outdoor power equipment.

Engine manufacturers and leading trade organizations are concerned that many consumers will utilize E15 in outdoor power equipment and other non-approved engines, causing permanent and irreversible damage.

]]>http://opei.org/remind-your-customers-to-pay-attention-at-the-gas-pump/feed/0Eye on Regulationshttp://opei.org/eye-on-regulations/
http://opei.org/eye-on-regulations/#commentsMon, 11 Feb 2013 14:34:46 +0000Kristenhttp://opei.org/?p=3563Many in the small-business community fear that the next four years will usher in an onslaught of new regulations, several of which could have a negative impact on small businesses. Case in point: Small Businesses for Sensible Regulations, sponsored by the National Federation of Independent Businesses, predicts that some 4,128 new regulations are “in the pipeline” and could be enacted over the next four years.